My Winter Project - Russian Ridge Morning, 44 inch x 6 feet

I just completed and shipped a particularly large painting. Most days of work, I would focus on a relatively small area of the canvas. It was so exciting to come into my studio every morning and see the whole. To reach the goal of this commission, I was challenged to mix large piles of paint colors before starting to paint each section. Each session lasted about 3 hours.

I already miss seeing the painting each day. I have started a 30x40 and a 24x36 of other new scenes, but they seem so small in comparison now! I am saving my 7-foot board, on which I had stapled the canvas for this painting, for my next large project.

If you have an idea about a large statement painting of interest to you, let's talk.

Special Offer for my newsletter readers:

Twenty years ago, I was approached by the then owners of York Gallery, Katie and Celicia, to propose an image for the Wharf to Wharf race poster for the run's 35th anniversary. The 6 mile run passes along the Pacific Coast from the Santa Cruz Wharf to the Capitola Wharf. I was awarded the commission based on my painting: Surfin’ Spot at Pleasure Point, 12x16. I chose a vantage point near the junction of East Cliff and 35th Ave. I included the 35th Avenue sign and the late Jack O’Neill’s house in the poster painting. Jack was the founder of O’Neill’s Wetsuits and Surf Gear and his wetsuits popularized surfing in our cold water ocean. I've held the proposal painting in my studio most of the last 20 years in my "Artist's Collection" since then.

I'm offering the painting here to the recipients of my newsletter, with a special bonus - a free signed poster from the 2007 event which featured my final painting. Surfin' Spot at Pleasure Point is on my website for sale now.

You can contact me to discuss a purchase at 831-475-5386.

Gallery Refreshes

Hacienda Lupine, 12x16, oil

See all at the ACCI Gallery in Berkeley, CA

Pacific Thunder,18x24 oil

See all at the LunaSea Gallery in Pescadero, CA

Flight, 9x12 oil

See all at Wisteria Art & Antiques in Soquel, CA

Summer Exhibitions

Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters (MBPAPA)

Painterly Perspective, Signature Member Show,

July 3 – August 27, 2026 My painting Red Jeep and Aromas Hills was selected for this exhibit at the Anand Gallery, Pacific Grove Art Center.

California Art Club (CAC)

American Tapestry, virtual exhibit to celebrate our Nation’s birthday and the breath of traditional fine art that members like myself create.

July 2 - September 21 My painting “Coastal Light” 18”x24”, was selected to be a part of this show. You may view and purchase paintings in this online exhibit on the CAC website.

Tip for Artists: Painting Large

I find it very artistically stimulating to work in a large format. Large paintings can be quite powerful.

Here are a few tips if you want to pursue painting your large vision.

1.  Buy large tubes of paint. You'll be covering a lot of canvas.

2.  Use a large surface for your palette to mix color

3.  Premix several colors to make the painting session flow more quickly.

4.  Use large brushes and palette knives. 

5.  Arrange your easel(s) and canvas so it can be raised and lowered to facilitate your painting.

Also, I had several discussions with Andrew Lenz, of Lenz Arts in Santa Cruz, and he gave me suggestions for my project.



Read more tips and detail on my blog here.

Wishing you an enjoyable summer,

Michele

Instagram (michele.hausman.art.) ... My YouTube Channel 
 My website: HausmanStudio.com ...My Etsy Store

Represented by Wisteria Art & Antiques in Soquel, CA, Luna Sea in Pescadero, ACCI Gallery in Berkeley, and 480 Lighthouse Gallery, Pacific Grove.

www.hausmanstudio.com